Some dogs have the natural propensity to sprint through fields, herd sheep, and burn off endless energy. And then, there are these other dogs. The ones who believe life is best lived under a blanket, with a snack close by, and absolutely no rush to get anywhere.
These pups are more nap enthusiasts than marathon runners, happily trading long sprints for cozy snoozes. Their laid-back nature makes them perfect companions for relaxed households, where calm moments matter most.
Loved for their easygoing charm, they prove that sometimes the best exercise is curling up beside the people they adore. These are unbelievably lazy dog breeds that require little attention.
If you want to share your life with a furry couch companion instead of an energy dog, you will love this lineup of lazy dog breeds.
FUN FACT!
The laziest pups (cue: Chow Cow, Basset Hounds) can sleep up to 18-20 hours per day. That is nearly three quarters of their life spent snoozing!! They get up for snack, waddle to the door for a quick bathroom break, then head straight back to bed. Yep, some of these lazy dog breeds live the dream every single day! Professional nappers, anyone?
Unbelievably Lazy Dog Breeds That Require Little Attention
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are particularly the mascot of lazy dogs. Long bodies, short legs, and droopy ears, these scent hounds were bred for hunting. They were the best tracking dogs, famous for their noses, but today, they are more famous for hogging the couch.
Only need short walks to stay healthy
Easygoing and patient with children
Calm temperament; perfect for laid-back owners
What makes them especially lovable is their contradiction: they have one of the best noses in the dog world, but they rarely care to use it for anything other than sniffing around the yard at a slow pace.
Pet parents adore them for their loyal and calm personalities, and while they can be stubborn to train, their laid-back personality is a great fit for families who want companionship with non-stop activity.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
At first glance, the Neapolitan Mastiff looks like an intimidating giant. They are massive-sized, wrinkly dogs with soulful eyes. You would think they were bred for endless work. But the truth: the Mastiff is one of the ultimate gentle giants of the dog world.
Lazy dogs are happy to lie around the house all day, BUT… pet parents should take them on light walks, and provide daily exercise and mental stimulation to get them going.
Naturally protective without being overly active
Happy to lounge, keeping watch over their families
Despite being one of the large dog breeds, Neapolitan Mastiffs have surprisingly low energy levels. They need to be a little active every day (although, in their minds, they don’t need it), just enough to maintain that overall health and well-being.
What they love most is being near their owners, preferably while stretched out on the floor like a massive rug. These large dogs have an independent nature, which means they are not clingy, but their loyalty is unmatched.
3. Bulldog
Bulldogs are the definition of laid back. These short and stocky dogs have flat faces, big personalities, and an undeniable love for comfort.
English bulldogs or their American cousins… this breed is one of the most famous lazy dog breeds in the world. Although they have some active bursts of energy when they are awake.
Perfect for apartment living thanks to compact size and low energy levels
Need only short bursts of outdoor exercise and activity
Calm, gentle, and loyal family companions
PetPlan mentions the Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn dogs and might be slow to learn. Sometimes, they will simply stop walking mid-street because they have had enough. But that’s part of their charm.
However, Bulldogs are excellent around children and thrive in families who don’t expect their dog to require hours of outdoor exercise.
Instead, they are perfect as indoor companions who are always up for a cuddle session on the couch.
4. Pug
Pugs are little clowns in dog form, but they do not require regular exercise like some other breeds. They love people, adore interests, and have a playful nature that comes out in short bursts of zoomies. But for the most part, Pugs are low-energy dogs who much prefer lounging beside their owners/favorite humans.
Adapt well to apartment living and small spaces
Short walks are plenty for their exercise needs
Loving, loyal, and content to spend time around the house
As per ASPCA, Pugs can sleep up to 14 hours a day. Due to their flat faces, they can overheat easily, which makes long outdoor exercise a no-go. Instead, they are their happiest curled up on your lap while you watch TV or read a book.
They are perfect for pet parents who want affectionate furry friends without having to commit to constant activity.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu may look like royalty, and they certainly act like it. With their flowing coats and dignified demeanor, these pups were originally bred as lap dogs for Chinese emperors. And they have stayed true to their roots.
Need light exercise and short walks daily
Affectionate, gentle, and loving family pets
Happy to lounge indoors for most of the day
Shih Tzus thrive as loving companions. They prefer snuggles to sprints. While they do regular grooming if their coats are kept long, their exercise needs are refreshingly minimal.
They are great for families with children, because a laid-back dog is easy for parents to have for the kids. They fit perfectly well into apartment living.
Loving, adorable, and somewhat lazy, that’s the Shih Tzu in a nutshell.
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese has a long history as a palace dog, which explains their confident and almost regal presence. These little furry friends are not big on activity, and they know exactly how to get what they want… usually a soft spot to nap!
Pekingese dogs require moderate exercise and short walks to stay healthy
Calm and low-energy dogs are well-suited for quiet households
Fiercely loyal and protective of their owners
Though small, they carry themselves with dignity. They are not big fans of roughhousing or high-energy play, but they prefer a life of peace and relaxation.
If you want a puppy that is content to spend most of their time around the house with you, the Pekingese is the perfect fit.
7. Havanese
The Havanese is cheerful and loving but far from being high-strung. They are playful when they want to be, but their energy level is moderate. It means they are an ideal choice for owners who want a balanced companion and cannot give 24/7 attention to the puppies.
Havanese puppies enjoy short walks and light indoor activities
Calm, affectionate, and adaptable to apartment living
Happy to lounge with families and children alike
This breed does not demand much exercise, which makes them perfect for busy families or single peeps with a laid-back lifestyle. While they will join you for short walks, they are just as happy spending lazy days lounging around the house. They are versatile dogs who can fit into almost any household.
8. Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are the ‘big-boned Spaniels’. They are big and sturdy dogs with surprisingly low energy levels. Unlike many other Spaniels, which are known for their enthusiasm and energy, Clumbers are more like mellow companions.
Prefer calm strolls over long outdoor exercise sessions
Calm, loyal, and affectionate dogs toward their families
Low-maintenance dogs when it comes to activity needs
Though they were originally bred to be hunting dogs, modern Clumbers are not eager to chase much of anything. Instead, they thrive in calm houses where they can spend time with their owners without needing constant stimulation and attention.
They are gentle, relaxed, and perfectly content with short walks followed by long naps.
9. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a dog with an independent streak and a love for calm living. They are known for having a lion-like mane and dignified presence; these pups carry themselves with pride and a distinct preference for relaxation.
These big, fluffy dogs need only light daily exercise or a trip to the dog park (you need to prevent obesity in these dogs, so keep them a little bit active)
Independent and sometimes aloof, but deeply loyal dogs
Calm and happy to spend time lounging indoors
Chows are not the type of dogs to follow you everywhere. Instead, they enjoy their own space and quiet companionship. They are perfect for owners who appreciate a pet with a more reserved and laid-back personality.
If you want a low-maintenance dog (ONLY in terms of exercise & attention, they are not so low maintenance when it comes to that fluffy fur), the Chow Chow is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Not all dogs need endless games of fetch and hours of outdoor exercise to be happy. Some are unbelievably lazy dog breeds that require less attention than other breeds. Some pups are born to be couch potatoes, content with short walks, a calm house, and lots of naps.
Droopy-eared Basset Hound, the massive Neapolitan Mastiff, or the regal Chow Chow, lazy dogs have a way of fitting into families and houses that value calmness and gentleness. So, if your dream pup is the one who loves lounging as much as you do, these breeds may just be your perfect match.
